Foundations of Systematics and Biogeography

Anyone interested in comparative biology or the history of science will find this myth-busting work genuinely fascinating. It draws attention to the seminal studies and important advances that have shaped systematic and biogeographic thinking. It traces concepts in homology and classification from the 19th century to the present through the provision of a unique anthology of scientific writings from Goethe, Agassiz, Owen, Naef, Zangerl and Nelson, among others.This volume draws attention to the seminal studies and importantadvances that have shaped systematic and biogeographic thinking andcontinue to influence its direction today. It traces concepts inhomology and classification from the 19th century to the presentthrough the provision of a unique anthology of scientific writingsfrom Goethe, Agassiz, Geoffroy St. Hilaire, Owen, Naef, Zangerl andNelson, among others. In addition, current attitudes and practices incomparative biology are interrogated, particularly in relation toevolutionary studies leading to a re-statement of the principal aimsof the discipline. In order to alert prospective students to pitfallscommon in systematics and biogeography, the book highlights threeprincipal messages: biological classifications and their explanatorymechanisms are separate notions; most, if not all, homology conceptspre-date the works of Darwin; and that the foundation of allcomparative biology is the concept of relationship - neither'similarity' nor 'genealogical hypotheses of descent' are sufficient. Foundations of Systematics and Biogeography is an ideal volume for students, academics, researchers and professionals in the fields of systematics, biogeography, evolutionary biology and palaeontology.